D.R.BassSeeker

A good buy for a decent rod/reel combo is the h2o mettle reel for $49 and a h2o rod for about $40 from Academy

Bowfin (or Grinnell), Alligator Gar, and Pickerel (or Jackfish), as well as Carp frequently break the water where I fish. A frog or buzzbait sometimes elicits a hit from them.

Bill Dance has always been a favorite, if not him then Denny Brauer to learn some jig fishing skills.

Bill Dance has always been a favorite, if not him the Denny Brauer to learn some jig fishing skills.

I'd rather be able to hear a bass plopping in the water near me than to listen to music. I also like hearing the birds and other wildlife all around me when the boat noise allows.

Looks like both that bass and the trout had a chunk bitten out of them when they were smaller. I've caught some weird looking ones as well, most of which appeared to be the results of some type of traumatic injury in their past.

I'm one of the "older guys" you wanted to hear from. I try to make it to the lake by daybreak, but don't get upset if I'm a little late since I stay out as long as the weather and my schedule allows, rarely 'til sunset, but I can easily do that. These 100+ degree Texas days can be rough, but I love it anyway. I could fish everyday all day if it weren't for all the other things that have to be done

:DAt least 53 years, I remember the first fish I caught when I was 3 years old. I kept flipping it in and out of the water, back over my head and back into the water. It was a bream about 3 inches long and I bugged my grandfather until he cleaned it for me then my grandmother fried it for me. Can't remember if it tasted good or not, but I sure did enjoy it. I still love to eat fish and could eat them everyday, but I don't.

LM without a doubt

Howdy from the Lone Star State of Texas!!! I joined this forum a couple of months ago and never introduced myself, so I guess it's about time to do that. I'm an ole fart bachelor who once fished nearly everyday about 40 years ago. Back then I used a Zebco 33 and only fished with purple worms and Tiny Torpedoes, but caught quite a few bass on them. Usually I could catch fish when others would not. I am looking forward to retiring in a few years so I can spend more time on the water and catch as many fish as I can while I still have breath in me. A few months ago I started fishing on a semi-regular basis again and am now trying to learn my way around Caddo lake in Texas. I'm also learning to use a bait-casting reel which I really like a lot. I'm also trying to learn how to fish with jigs, pitching and swimming. I'm finally beginning to catch a few fish and having a great time whether the fish co-operate or not. It sure is a lot more enjoyable when they do co-operate. I appreciate all the great information you all have placed in these forums and really enjoy reading it. Any tips about Caddo Lake or fishing with jigs would be very welcome. Thanks again for all the great info!!! Hopefully I'll have something worthwhile to contribute before long. Respectfully, dan